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Every mom wants her children to do well. To be intellectually curious. To be engaged in the world around them. To be more than just “book smart.”
There’s a lot of pressure on moms to make the right decisions about everything from what kids eat, to how much technology they consume, to where they go to school, to how many—or how few, extracurricular activities they participate in.
When it comes to free time, there are more choices than ever to fill that rare Saturday, school holiday, or summer vacation day. From outdoor play to organized sports to clubs and community service, finding a balance is a challenge to even the most sophisticated parent.
In the realm of educational outings, there’s a reason why families who place a high priority on learning experiences choose museums as a way to broaden kids’ horizons. According to the American Association of Museums (AAM), students who visit museums “demonstrate improved critical thinking skills, historical empathy, and tolerance.”
Students who visit museums “demonstrate improved critical thinking skills, historical empathy, and tolerance.”
In a Review of Literature called Early Learning in Museums prepared by Mary Ellen Munley for the Smithsonian Institution’s Early Learning Collaborative Network and the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center in 2012, “the evolution of museums from their collections-centered beginnings to hands-on, multi-sensory learning environments has helped engage children and families in new and joyful ways. These experiences of discovery instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning.”
The York County History Center’s mission is to inspire the exploration of York County history. In pursuit of that mission, the organization has entered into a multi-year process of right-sizing its many museums and historic sites into a history campus in the heart of downtown York, PA. The future campus, anticipated to open in 2020, will tell the stories of York County history at the former Metropolitan Edison steam generating plant at the corner of West Philadelphia. and North Pershing St. This new locale will provide a visitor experience that is cohesive, with ample parking and easy access to the museum, library, and archives, as well as the Colonial Complex just a block away.
The future History Center experience promises exactly the kind of fun, interactive and hands-on moments of discovery that help kids learn and make the stories memorable. York County history is full of color and drama, from the Industrial Revolution to the Civil War, the Colonial period, to the Victorian age, with a broad and deep tradition of agriculture and industry throughout. The History Center’s goals include building new audiences, among them families, young professionals, and people of diverse populations.
Again from Early Learning in Museums, “Research suggests that traditional museums provide an effective environment to encourage and support learning by young children…They are places where people—including young children—construct meaning, have genuine choices, encounter challenging tasks, take control over their own learning, collaborate with others, and feel positive about their efforts.” (Paris, Yambor & Packard, 1998, 271.)
Representing the kind of interactive, “aha” moments that kids can have in museums is “Magic at the Museum” on January 20, 2018, a partnership between the Cultural Alliance of York County and the York County History Center. This day of family fun, inspired by Harry Potter, takes place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the History Center’s Agricultural & Industrial Museum.
Step into a world powered by steam, imagination, and, perhaps, magic! Get sorted into your house, meet Professor Snape, and learn the patronus spell from Professor Lupin. Potions, charms, and muggle history await. This special event is free for all and is part of the Cultural Alliance’s Celebrate Arts Week!
No registration is required; for more information, visit Create & Imagine. Follow the History Center at www.yorkhistorycenter.org for many more fun and engaging programs for families!
Magic at the Museum
January 20, 2018, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Agricultural & Industrial Museum, 217 W. Princess St., York, PA